NAS Integration
ATO Space Operations
As the Air Traffic Organization’s (ATO) office of primary responsibility for space transport operations, ATO Space Operations manages the integration of space missions into the National Airspace System (NAS). Our work keeps the flying public safe while optimizing the nation’s increasingly complex airspace for all stakeholders. Space Operations-related FAA orders.
What We Do
ATO Space Operations has developed a collaborative and repeatable process to ensure space transport operations are safely and efficiently integrated into the NAS:
- • Assess space operator’s requested mission window by analyzing present-day and historic air traffic volume.
- • Collaborate and coordinate with space operators, air traffic facilities, aviation stakeholders, and international ANSPs.
- • Conduct planning teleconferences using various Space CDM platforms.
- • Distribute mission summary with hazard area information.
- • Coordinate Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) distribution and cancellation.
- • Manage mission integration in real time: live hotline, Teams chat, and email.
- • Share post-mission lessons learned.
Stakeholder Engagement
ATO Space Operations manages the ATO Space Collaborative Decision Making (SpCDM) program, fostering collaboration among space operators, FAA, and aviation stakeholders. SpCDM provides educational briefings and a forum for dialogue and information exchange. The goal is to optimize NAS integration of space transport operations. SpCDM builds on the original aviation CDM model established over 25 years ago.
FAA Orders
- FAA Order JO 7400.2 - Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters; Part 6, Chapter 31. Amateur Rocket and Commercial Space Operations
- FAA Order 7210.3 - Flight Limitation in the Proximity of Space Flight Operations (14 CFR Section 91.143)
- FAA Order JO 100.45 - Application of the Acceptable Level of Risk to Space Missions in the National Airspace System
- 7110.65 Pilot/Controller Glossary
Training Material
- ATO Space Operations 101 Briefing
- Airspace Integration
- 50114 ATO CARF & Space Operations (AJR-1800)
- 50113 National Traffic Management Course